September 24-28, 2018: Clean Energy Week

September 24-28, 2018: Clean Energy Week

WHEREAS, across Michigan clean and readily abundant forms of energy are powering more homes and businesses than ever before. In Michigan, installed solar capacity has doubled in the last two years alone and installed wind capacity is on pace to increase by nearly 50 percent since 2016; and,

WHEREAS, clean energy is part of America’s energy future. It includes generation from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal sources, but it also includes nuclear, natural gas, and carbon capture technologies as well as energy storage; and,

WHEREAS, the clean energy sector is a growing part of the economy and has been a key driver of economic growth in Michigan in recent years. Michigan leads the Midwest in the number of clean energy jobs, with over 122,000 people currently employed in the clean energy and energy efficiency sector – fifth overall in the nation; and,

WHEREAS, these jobs that cannot be outsourced due to the on-site nature of construction, installation, and maintenance. Clean energy jobs are inherently local and contribute to the growth of local economies; and,

WHEREAS, as our country celebrates National Clean Energy Week, I encourage individuals and organizations in Michigan to support commonsense solutions that address America’s economic and energy needs in the 21st Century. I also encourage municipalities and individuals to implement the cleanest, lowest-emitting energy technologies available; and,

WHEREAS, we must harness the power of Michigan entrepreneurs and small businesses and ensure government collaboration to assert American energy leadership and dominance in the global marketplace and assure low-cost reliable energy here at home;